Clamping cartridge for panel-type products

ABSTRACT

A clamping cartridge is provided which comprises a plurality of clamping mechanisms spaced apart on a frame or chassis. The clamping mechanisms are generally oriented perpendicular to their direction of spacing. The clamping mechanisms are of the type which comprise a pair of relatively movable jaws which are biased together. An actuator operable in association with the clamping mechanisms serves to open and close the jaws of the clamping mechanisms in unison. While the clamps are closeable in unison, they are individually self-adjusting so the extent of closure for each clamp is dependent on the thickness or presence of an inserted article. The clamping cartridges are useful in a variety of applications requiring clamping of one or more articles in a side-by-side relationship. One such application is a transportation/storage rack which includes a plurality of aligned horizontal and vertical clamping cartridges for clamping the edges of glass panels.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/432,023 filed Dec. 10, 2002 and U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/488,771 filed Jul. 22, 2003. This application alsoclaims priority based on Canadian Patent Application No. 2,413,688 filedDec. 9, 2002 and Canadian Patent Application No. 2,435,717 filed Jul.22, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to a clamping apparatus for holding andpositioning a plurality of items and, more particularly, a clampingcartridge for releasably clamping a plurality of generally planarobjects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] There are numerous instances where a series of sheet orpanel-type products need be transported and/or stored. When all suchitems are identical, there is usually no need to be concerned overloading and unloading sequences. However, when the items are notidentical, any sequenced access must be predetermined which usuallyentails predetermined loading strategies and, furthermore, random accessmay simply not be possible. Moreover, where the items vary in thickness,group clamping typically requires individual (i.e. time-consuming)adjustment of respective clamping mechanisms.

[0004] Existing solutions are either cumbersome, inefficient and/orunable to address all of the user-defined requirements. Theserequirements and the challenges were, mainly, the following:

[0005] the ability to load a variety of panel sizes and thicknesseswithin a given packaging unit, for example in a custom metal rack;

[0006] the ability to access, remove or replace any one or all panelsindividually, without affecting the rest of the panels;

[0007] the ability to grip and hold the parts (panels) during transportand storage;

[0008] user-friendly operating sequences;

[0009] reliability and ease of maintenance; and

[0010] cost effectiveness.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 2,946,453 describes a supporting rack forautomobile windshields having a plurality of pairs of posts, half ofwhich are fixed while the other half are associated with a movable frameso as to enable the movable posts to be moved in unison against thefixed posts to provide a clamping action therebetween. U.S. Pat. No.2,953,253 illustrates a windshield carrier having a pair of fixedparallel slotted frames for receiving windshields therein. Clamping iseffected either by an associated pair of movable parallel frames havingcorresponding slots therein (FIG. 1) or a series of pressure elementsmovable through a linkage (FIG. 8). The devices of both of these patentshave unitary movement of all clamping elements, but the fixed spacingstructure will only function to clamp the thickest of a plurality ofplanar articles of variable thicknesses.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,093,251 discloses a windshield carrier having aplurality of posts in two rows. A rotatable friction element is disposedatop each post which can be rotated into engagement with the surface ofa windshield disposed between adjacent posts. The friction elements areindividually rotatable. This device has the capacity to accommodate aplurality of planar articles of variable thicknesses, but each clampingmechanism must be operated independently.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,202,452 shows a supporting rack for breakablearticles comprising a plurality of spaced apart posts in parallel rows.An inflatable tube is provided on the exterior of each post and, thus,between adjacent posts. The tube is inflatable to contact the articlesdisposed between the posts in a secure and safe fashion. This apparatushas the capacity to accommodate a plurality of planar articles ofvariable thicknesses and is operable to close and release all clamps inunison. However, the apparatus requires the hydraulic/pneumatic systemto be operating/pressurized at all times when clamping is required.Thus, if the system fails, the clamping function ceases.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,936 illustrates a device for holding flatobjects, such as circuit boards, wherein a plurality of slots areprovided in a tray having cooperating blocks with ridges moveablerelative thereto. In order to accommodate a variety of thicknesses ofboards, resilient cushions are disposed between the ridges whichcompress to the extent necessary. The device is spring biased in theopen position. This device has the capacity to accommodate a pluralityof planar articles of variable thicknesses and is operable to close andrelease all clamps in unison. Like with U.S. Pat. No. 4,202,452, thisapparatus is open in its relaxed state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A clamping cartridge is provided which comprises a plurality ofclamping mechanisms spaced apart on a frame or chassis. The clampingmechanisms are generally oriented perpendicular to their direction ofspacing, meaning that the clamping motion of all the clamps is in thedirection of spacing so that panel-type products can be clamped inparallel to one another (which is perpendicular to the direction ofspacing of the clamps). The clamping mechanisms are normally biased in aclosed position and are openable in unison by way of an actuationmechanism in order to permit insertion of an edge of one or morearticles to be clamped. While the clamps are also closeable in unison,they are individually self-adjusting so the extent of closure for eachclamp is dependent on the thickness or presence of an inserted article.

[0016] Preferably, the clamping mechanisms are of the type whichcomprise a pair of relatively movable jaws which are biased together.

[0017] In one embodiment, the jaws are openable by levers which areconnectable to or integral with the jaws such that when the end of thelevers distal the jaws are moved relatively toward one another, the jawsare caused to open. The actuation levers extend through the frame wherethey engage a camming mechanism which is operable to urge togetherrespective pairs of levers of each clamping mechanism so as to cause theplurality of clamping mechanisms to open in unison and to permit therespective pairs of levers of each clamping mechanism to separate so asto cause the jaws of the plurality of clamping mechanisms to close orclamp against one or more objects which may have been placedtherebetween.

[0018] The camming mechanism may comprise a shaft supported by the framein the direction of spacing of the clamping mechanisms and havingthereon a plurality of cam wheels which are fixed to rotate with theshaft. The cam surfaces are disposed on the radial sides of the camwheels rather than on the circumferential or perimetric edge. The camsurface varies in the axial direction with the revolution of the wheel.A pair of oppositely oriented cam surfaces are provided for each pair oflevers of each clamping mechanism. The pair of cam surfaces engage thedistal ends of the pair of levers of a clamping mechanism. As the shaftis rotated, the cam surfaces rotate causing the distance betweenrespective pairs of cam surfaces at which the distal ends of the leversare engaged to decrease or increase, thereby actuating the ends of thepair of levers inwardly or outwardly respectively to open and close thejaws of the clamping mechanism.

[0019] Advantageously, the cam surfaces between adjacent clampingmechanisms can be provided on a single cam wheel for economy ofmanufacture.

[0020] One embodiment of the clamping mechanisms of the inventioncomprises a flexible split cylinder-like spring clamp, assembled withtwo rigid arms that are wider, flat and covered with a protectivematerial (typically rubber dipped) at one end and narrower at the otherend. The wider ends are designed to grip the product edge, while thenarrow ends are designed to interface with the cam surface.

[0021] The clamps are spaced out for a convenient density and mounted ona support frame. A plurality of tapered cylindrical cams are placedunderneath the clamps, inside the frame and on one side of each pair ofarms. The cams are mounted on a keyed shaft that can be rotated by ahandle, wrench or the like.

[0022] The rotation of the shaft turns the cams and thus moves thenarrow ends of the arms against the springiness (bias) of each clamp,opening it. The distance between the two gripping ends of each pair ofarms is at maximum (opening) when the cams have the widest sectionengaged.

[0023] The product(s) can then be introduced. The product is notdesigned to be seated onto the clamping system, but on a separatestructure, that will only support the panels vertically, without anyhorizontal grip.

[0024] The clamp cartridge(s) are usually mounted under the floor levelof a larger pack, or rack, or similar storage system. Only the grippingarms are extended upward and above the floor level.

[0025] Once product is inserted between the gripping ends of the openedarms, the shaft is rotated 180 degrees and the narrowest portions of thecams are positioned between the arms, thus relaxing the springiness ofthe clamp to a mere touch.

[0026] The gripping ends of the arms naturally move to grip the product,whatever its width. If product is not present, the gripping ands of thearms will move to a light touch (relaxed position). Although theindividual clamps are individually biased towards a closed position, thedevice itself may or may not be normally biased to a closed position.

[0027] The operating mechanism of the clamping cartridge, i.e. theopening/closing mechanics, can be implemented in a variety of ways topermit unitary opening of the individual clamps while not restrictingthe clamps to close in an identical manner. In this regard, an alternateoperating mechanism for the clamping cartridge is disclosed herein inwhich the serial, individual cam action of the aforesaid clampingcartridge is substituted with a single lift plate, which can beactivated by a simpler camming mechanism.

[0028] In the alternate embodiment, the clamping cartridge stillcomprises a plurality of clamping mechanisms spaced apart on a frame orchassis. The clamping mechanisms are generally oriented perpendicular totheir direction of spacing, meaning that the clamping motion of all theclamps is in the direction of spacing so that panel-type products can beclamped in parallel to one another (which is perpendicular to thedirection of spacing of the clamps). The clamping mechanisms are of thetype which comprise a pair of relatively movable jaws which are normallybiased together.

[0029] In the alternate embodiment, the jaws are elastic and normallybiased closed. The jaws are openable by a slotted plate that can slideperpendicularly to the direction of clamping which acts as the actuationmechanism. While a slot could be provided for each jaw, preferably, oneslot is provided for each pair of adjacent jaws. Movement of the plateand brings together the jaw half belonging to two different, adjacentjaws, against the elasticity of the material, thereby opening the activeclamping space, which is normally closed when empty.

[0030] The slotted plate is part of a platform that is moveable relativeto the frame and which is confined to a translational movement along endguides and along the direction of the panels to be clamped.

[0031] The moving platform with the slotted section is positivelyactivated in both directions by a camming mechanism which is operable toultimately urge together respective pairs of arms of each clampingmechanism so as to cause the plurality of clamping mechanisms to open inunison and to permit the respective pairs of arms of each clampingmechanism to separate so as to cause the jaws of the plurality ofclamping mechanisms to close or clamp against one or more objects whichmay have been placed therebetween.

[0032] Preferably, the camming mechanism comprises a shaft supported bythe frame in the direction of spacing of the clamping mechanisms andhaving thereon at least one cam wheel which is fixed to rotate with theshaft. Depending on the length of the cartridge, two or more cam wheelscould be employed to ensure uniform lifting/lowering of the platform.

[0033] Preferably, there are a pair of cam surfaces, one at each end ofthe cartridge, and disposed inside a U-shaped channel/housing associatedwith the moving platform. The cams are mounted on a shaft that can berotated by a wrench, lever or similar handle means. The rotation ofhandle causes the slotted surface of the platform to move up or down thelength of the clamps' jaws. The cam surface varies in the radialdirection with the revolution of the wheel.

[0034] One embodiment of the clamping mechanisms of the alternateembodiment of the invention comprises a flexible tulip-like springclamp, covered at the ends with a protective material (typically rubberdipped). The jaws extend from the bight of the clamp and convergetowards their tips.

[0035] The main features and advantages of the clamping cartridgesaccording to the invention are: versatility in typo-dimensional productsequencing and access patterns, simplicity of operation and ease ofmaintenance.

[0036] The operating principles that are believed to be unique to thisinvention are described by a normally closed, spring based clampingaction, self-adjusting grip strength proportional to the productthickness and simultaneous action on all cartridge clamps, regardless ofproduct presence.

[0037] While minimum panel spacing depends clamp-to-clamp open positiongeometry which is a function of maximum thickness and flatness of thepanels expected to be accommodated, the overall applicability is onlylimited by scale factors, as they relate to industrial means oftransport and logistics.

[0038] In summary of the foregoing, there is provided a clampingcartridge for releasably clamping a plurality of panel-type articles ingenerally parallel spaced-apart manner comprising:

[0039] a frame;

[0040] a plurality of clamping mechanisms spaced-apart along the frame,the clamping mechanisms being generally oriented perpendicular to theirdirection of spacing and being normally biased towards a closedposition;

[0041] actuation means operable in association with the clampingmechanisms for opening and closing the clamping mechanisms in unison;

[0042] the clamping mechanisms being individually self-adjusting uponclosing. Preferably, the clamping mechanisms comprise a pair ofrelatively movable jaws and the actuation means is operable on the jawsfor overcoming the closing bias.

[0043] Other features and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044]FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the clamping cartridge accordingto the preferred embodiment of the invention in its closed/clampingposition. FIG. 1B is an elevational view of the clamping cartridge ofFIG. 1A. FIG. 1C is a plan view of the clamping cartridge of FIG. 1A.FIG. 1D is an end view of the clamping cartridge of FIG. 1A;

[0045]FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the clamping cartridge accordingto the preferred embodiment of the invention in its open/releasedposition. FIG. 2B is an elevational view of the clamping cartridge ofFIG. 2A. FIG. 2C is a plan view of the clamping cartridge of FIG. 2A.FIG. 2D is an end view of the clamping cartridge of FIG. 2A;

[0046]FIG. 3A is a plan view of the spring body of one of the clampingmechanisms shown in the clamping cartridge of FIG. 1A. FIG. 3B is abottom view of the spring body of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C is an elevationalview of the spring body of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3D is an enlarged endelevational view of the spring body of FIG. 3A;

[0047]FIG. 4A is a side elevational view of one of the clamp arms of oneof the clamping mechanisms shown in the clamping cartridge of FIG. 1A.FIG. 4B is an end elevational view of the clamp arm of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4Cis a plan view of the clamp arm of FIG. 4A;

[0048]FIG. 5A is a plan view of the support frame of the clampingcartridge of FIG. 1A. FIG. 5B is a side elevational view of the supportframe of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C is an end elevational view of the supportframe of FIG. 5A;

[0049]FIG. 6A is a perspective view of one of the cam wheels of theclamping cartridge of FIG. 1A. FIG. 6B is an elevational view of the camwheel of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C is a plan view of the cam wheel of FIG. 6A.FIG. 6D is a side elevational view of the cam wheel of FIG. 6A;

[0050]FIG. 7A is a plan view of the cam shaft of the clamping cartridgeof FIG. 1A. FIG. 7B is an elevational view of the cam shaft of FIG. 7A.FIG. 7C is an end view of the cam shaft of FIG. 7A. FIG. 7D is anelevational view of an alternate cam shaft having a different mechanismfor its rotation. FIG. 7E is an end view of the alternate cam shaft ofFIG. 7D;

[0051]FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the clamping cartridge accordingto the preferred embodiment of the invention in which a number ofpanel-type articles have been retained. FIG. 8B is an elevational viewof the clamping cartridge of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is a plan view of theclamping cartridge of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8D is an end view of the clampingcartridge of FIG. 8A;

[0052]FIG. 9 is an elevational view of an alternate embodiment of theclamping cartridge according to the invention, shown in itsclosed/clamping; and

[0053]FIG. 10 is an elevational view of the alternate embodiment of theclamping cartridge of FIG. 9 but shown in its position open/releasedposition.

[0054]FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the clamping cartridge with thealternate operating mechanism in its closed/clamping position accordingto the preferred embodiment of the invention. Details are shown in FIGS.11B, 11C and 11D which illustrate respectively an elevational view, aplan view and an end elevational view of the clamping cartridge of FIG.11A in its closed position.

[0055]FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the support frame or chassis ofthe clamping cartridge of FIG. 11A. FIG. 12B is an elevational view ofthe support frame. FIG. 12C is a plan view of the support frame. FIG.12D is a left end view of the support frame. FIG. 12E is a right endview of the support frame;

[0056]FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the cam housing of the clampingcartridge of FIG. 11A. FIG. 13B is an elevational view of the camhousing of FIG. 13A. FIG. 13C is a plan view of the cam housing of FIG.13A. FIG. 13D is an end view of the cam housing of FIG. 13A;

[0057]FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the cam shaft of the clampingcartridge of FIG. 11A. FIG. 14B is an elevational view of the cam shaftof FIG. 14A. FIG. 14C is an end view of the cam shaft of FIG. 14A;

[0058]FIG. 15A is a perspective view of one cam of the clampingcartridge of FIG. 11A. FIG. 15B is an elevational view of the cam ofFIG. 15A. FIG. 15C is an side view of the cam of FIG. 15A;

[0059]FIG. 16A is a perspective view of the movable channel of theclamping cartridge of FIG. 11A. FIG. 16B is an elevational view of themovable channel of FIG. 16A. FIG. 16C is an end view of the movablechannel of FIG. 16A;

[0060]FIG. 17A is a perspective view of one of the slats for the movablechannel of the clamping cartridge of FIG. 11A. FIG. 17B is anelevational view of the slat of FIG. 17A. FIG. 17C is an end view of theslat of FIG. 17A;

[0061]FIG. 18A is a perspective view of one of the clamping mechanismsof the clamping cartridge of FIG. 11A. FIG. 18B is an elevational viewof the clamp of FIG. 18A. FIG. 18C is an end view of the clamp of FIG.18A;

[0062]FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a retainer for the clamp of theclamping cartridge of FIG. 11A. FIG. 19B is a plan view of the retainerof FIG. 19A. FIG. 19C is an elevational view of the retainer of FIG.19A. FIG. 19D is an end view of the retainer of FIG. 19A;

[0063]FIG. 20A is a perspective view of the handle or crank for the camshaft of the clamping cartridge of FIG. 11A. FIG. 20B is an elevationalview of the handle of FIG. 20A. FIG. 20C is an end view of the handle ofFIG. 20A;

[0064]FIGS. 21A-21D illustrate the clamping cartridge with the alternateoperating mechanism as shown in FIG. 11A-11D in its closed position;

[0065]FIG. 22A is a perspective view of the clamping cartridge with thealternate operating mechanism being initially activated to commenceopening of the clamping mechanisms. Details are shown in FIGS. 22B, 22Cand 22D which illustrate respectively an elevational view, a plan viewand an end elevational view of the clamping cartridge of FIG. 22A in thebeginning stages of opening.

[0066]FIG. 23A is a perspective view of the clamping cartridge with thealternate operating mechanism continuing to be actuated during openingof the clamping mechanisms. Details are shown in FIGS. 23B, 23C and 23Dwhich illustrate respectively an elevational view, a plan view and anend elevational view of the clamping cartridge of FIG. 23A in anintermediate stage of opening.

[0067]FIG. 24A is a perspective view of the clamping cartridge with thealternate operating mechanism actuated to a fully-opened position.Details are shown in FIGS. 24B, 24C and 24D which illustraterespectively an elevational view, a plan view and an end elevationalview of the clamping cartridge of FIG. 24A in an intermediate stage ofopening.

[0068]FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a transportation/storage rackillustrating the use of the clamping cartridge of FIG. 1A;

[0069]FIG. 26 is an alternate perspective view of the rack generallyopposite to that shown in FIG. 25;

[0070]FIG. 27 is a close-up of one of the rack's side clampingcartridges;

[0071]FIG. 28 is a close-up of one of the rack's bottom clampingcartridges; and

[0072]FIG. 29 is a close-up, perspective end view of the lower portionof the rack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1D, there is shown an exemplary arrangementof the clamping cartridge 10 according to the invention. The clampingcartridge 10 comprises a plurality of spaced apart clamping mechanisms12 arranged on a chassis or frame 14. The clamping mechanisms 12(hereinafter referred to as clamps 12) have a pair of clamping arms 16which cooperate with a spring clip 18 which urges the upper ends 20 ofarms 16 toward one another in a jaw-like fashion. The lower ends 22 ofthe clamping arms 16 project through the frame 14 and act as leverswhich when moved relatively toward one another overcomes the springforce of the spring clip 18 thereby causing the clamp 12 to open (asseen in FIG. 2B). The resiliency of the spring clip 18 biases the clamp12 toward a closed position.

[0074] The clamping cartridge 10 also includes means to actuate(open/close) the clamps 12 which preferably comprises a series ofrotatable cam wheels 24, each of which having a cam surface 26 incontact with the lower end 22 of a clamp arm 16. The cam wheels 24 aredisposed on a rotatable cam shaft 28. Advantageously, the cam wheels 24can be provided with a cam surface 26 on each side, allowing the camwheels 24 to be interdigitated between adjacent arms 22 a of adjacentclamps 12. Accordingly, for any number N of clamps 12, only N+1 camwheels 24 are required.

[0075] The cam shaft 28 includes an extension 30 which can be used torotate the cam shaft 28 and thus cam wheels 24. The extension 30 may beprovided with means to facilitate rotation of the cam shaft 28, such asa knob or handle, or may include a lug which can be engaged by a wrenchor similar tool. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A, a handle 31is insertable into a transverse aperture 29 (see FIGS. 1B and 2B) toeffect leveraged rotation of shaft 28.

[0076] The cam surface 26 of the cam wheels 24 is axially androtationally inclined such that by rotating the cam wheels 24, the pointof contact with the lower end 22 of clamp arm 16 effectively translatesaxially. The cam surface 26 can be that which effectively results froman oblique cutting of a circular cylinder (i.e. a generally ellipticalsurface) as is the case in the preferred embodiment or could be ahelical surface spiraling oppositely from both ends of the cam wheel(not shown).

[0077] As shown in particular in FIGS. 6A-6D, the cam surfaces 26 aresuch as to provide the cam wheels 24 with a thinner section on one side32 and a thicker section on the opposite side 34. As seen in FIG. 1B,the thinner sections 32 of the cam wheels 24 are disposed between theadjacent lower ends 22 a of clamping arms 16 permitting maximum openingbetween the lower ends 22 of each clamp 12 and thus minimizing thedistance between or closing (depending on the spatial relationships) theupper ends 20 of each clamp 12. The outermost cam wheels 24 a aredisposed adjacent the lower end 22 b of the outermost clamp arm 16 a onoutermost clamps 12 a. While it is not necessary that the outermostsurface 26 a of outermost cam wheels 24 a be a cam surface,manufacturing efficiencies are achieved in producing a single or minimumnumber of cam wheel configurations.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 2A-2D, when the cam shaft 28 is rotated suchas by handle 31, the cam wheels 24 rotate so as to cause an increasinglythicker section thereof to wedge between adjacent lower ends 22 ofadjacent clamps 12, thereby actuating the clamping arms 16 and thusopening the clamps 12′ in unison. Preferably, the amount of rotation ofcam shaft 28 to effect full opening and closing of the clamps 12 is 180°(or less). If the cam surface 26 b,26 c on both halves with of the camwheel 24 is generally the same (i.e. the cam surface 26 is symmetricalabout a vertical plane P as shown in FIG. 6D) then such a design willpermit rotation of the cam wheel 24 in both directions (clockwise andcounterclockwise) with the same effect.

[0079] A transverse chamfer 36 may be provided at the thickest section34 in which the respective lower ends 22 of clamping arms 16 will centerand seat when the clamps 12′ reach their fully open position. Thisallows the clamps to “lock” at or near their fully open position topermit items to be inserted into the clamps 12′ or removed therefrom.The chamfer also permits closer spacing of the clamps 12, 12′ and servesto reduce pressure on the cam wheels 24.

[0080] Details of the components of the clamping cartridge 10 are shownin FIGS. 3A to 7D.

[0081]FIGS. 3A-3D show the spring clip 18 the purpose of which ingeneral is to provide biasing which urges the clamp 12 toward a closedor clamping position. The spring clip 18 has a generally U-shapedcross-section as shown in FIG. 3D having a pair of spring arms 40separated by a bight 42. It will be appreciated that the spring clip 18can be made in a variety of cross-sectional shapes.

[0082] The spring clips 18 are fastened to the frame 14 by anyconventional means. In embodiment shown, and pair of holes 44 areprovided in the bight 42 while corresponding holes 44 are provided inframe 14 (see FIG. 5A) through which appropriate fasteners 48 (see FIGS.1B, 2B and 2C) are used to secure the spring clip 18 to the frame 14.

[0083] The spring clips 18 are provided with a pair of slots 50 whichcorrespond generally with pairs of slots 52 in frame 14 (see FIG. 5A).The slots 50 accommodate and help retain spring arms 16 while the slots52 permit the spring arms 16 to extend through the frame 14 (as shownbest in FIG. 1B). Preferably, the tips 54 of the spring arms 40 aresufficiently close such that when both clamping arms 16 are disposedwithin slots 50, the upper ends 20 of the clamping arms 16 are biasedtogether. In FIG. 1B, the upper ends 20 of the clamping arms 16 areshown slightly separated. This is due to the fact that the insertion ofthe thinner sections 32 of the cam wheels 24 causes a slight pressure onthe lower ends 22 of the clamping arms 16, thus causing the slightseparation. Preferably, the spring clips 18 are made from known elasticmaterials such as spring steel.

[0084]FIGS. 4A-4C show one of the spring arms 16 of the clamp 12. Theupper ends 20 may be relatively wider than the lower ends 22 to provideextended clamping/gripping support along a portion of the product edge.In this regard, the upper ends 20 may be covered or coated with aprotective, high-friction material to reduce possible damage to theproduct to be clamped and to increase the clamp's gripping capability.For example, the upper ends 20 may be dipped in a liquid settable rubbercompound. The lower ends 22 are designed to interface with the camsurface and thus may be provided with a rounded edge 56 to enableslippage to a certain extent. Preferably, the spring arms 16 are madefrom relatively stiff materials, such as stamped steel, so as to reducethe amount of bending over the force range expected to be encountered.

[0085] The frame 14 is shown in detail in FIGS. 5A-5C. The frame 14provides the basic supporting structure for the clamps 12 and cam shaft28 (as shown in FIG. 1B). Thus the frame 14 may be conveniently made bybending an appropriate sheet material into a three sided, rectilinearconfiguration having an elongated central section 60 and two endsections 62. As aforesaid, the central section 60 includes holes 44 bywhich the clamps 12 are affixed thereto by fasteners 48 and slots 50through which the clamping arms 16 of the clamps 12 extend. The endsections 62 each include an aperture 64 in which the cam shaft 28 can bejournaled or in which a bearing for the cam shaft 28 can be provided.The frame 14 may also include mounting flanges 66 which include holes 67for mounting the cartridge 10 where desired. While the preferred frame14 has been shown with open sides 68 which reduces material costs andfacilitates manufacturing thereof, the sides 68 can be closed where itis desired to restrict access to the cam wheels 24 or to inhibit ingressof dust and other foreign matter into the working components of thecartridge 10.

[0086] The cam wheel 24 is shown in detail in FIGS. 6A-6D. When viewedalong its axis (FIG. 6D), the cam wheel 24 has an outer circularconfiguration. The cam wheel 24 includes a central bushing 70 and anaperture 72 by which the cam wheel 24 can be mounted on the cam shaft28. The aperture 72 includes a keyway 74 for accommodating a key 76 (seeFIG. 1B) associated with the cam shaft 28 to prevent the cam wheels 24from rotating relative to the cam shaft 28. The cam angle θ is generallya function of the diameter of the cam wheel 24 and the desiredlongitudinal movement of the lower ends 22 of the clamping arm 16 (toeffect a correspondingly opposite proportional movement of its upper end20 and hence an opening of the clamp 12).

[0087] Preferably, the cam wheels 24 are individual and identical forgreater manufacturing efficiency and flexibility. Depending on thelength of bushing 70, a cam wheel 24 may abut the bushing 70 of anadjacent cam wheel 24 (as shown in FIG. 1B) or may be relatively free tomove along the keyed cam shaft 28, there being a certain degree ofself-centering/alignment on account of the clamping arms in the lattercase. Still, if spacing between cam wheels becomes significant,(required by panel separation and/or clamp size), washers may beintroduced, as a precaution or as a visual enhancement, although theymay not be required for the operability of the device. Alternatively,the cam wheels may be made integrally with one another. The cam wheels24 may be made from any suitable material such as metal (steel,aluminum, etc.), hard plastics, Teflon™, etc. and they can be machined,stamped, injection molded, or any other suitable method of manufacture.The material should provide mechanical robustness, and a reasonablelife-time under friction. The materials for the cam wheels 24 and thecontacting portion of the clamping arms 22 can be chosen to have asufficiently high coefficient of friction such that the cam wheels 24will remain in whatever position they are in when rotation of the shaftis stopped (which may or may not be at top or bottom dead center).Alternatively, the chosen materials can have a sufficiently lowcoefficient of friction whereby the pressure exerted by the clampingarms 22 on the camming surfaces 26 causes the cam wheels 24 to rotatetoward the clamp closed position, thereby resulting in a clampingcartridge which is normally biased in the closed position.

[0088] Lastly, the cam shaft 28 is detailed in FIGS. 7A-7C. The shaft 28has two annular grooves 80 spaced apart slightly greater than thedistance between end sections 62 of frame 14 for accommodating retainingrings 82 (as shown in FIG. 1B). The shaft 28 has a keyway 84 whichcooperates with key 76 (as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1D) to enable rotationto be imparted from the shaft 28 to the cam wheels 24. Alternatively, asplined shaft could be provided with the apertures in the cam wheelsbeing correspondingly splined. The shaft 28 may be made from anysuitable material typically used for shafts.

[0089]FIGS. 7D and 7E illustrate an alternate mechanism for assisting inthe imparting of rotational movement in the form of a lug 29′ which isprovided on the extension 30′ of alternate shaft 28′. A wrench (notshown) is engageable with the lug 29′ for rotating the shaft 28′. Anyother known mechanism could likewise be employed for manual rotation ofthe shaft or a power-driven device could easily be substituted.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 1B, 2B and 8A-8D, to operate the clampingcartridge 10, the cam shaft 28 is rotated by the handle means 31, whichcauses the cam wheels 24 which are keyed to the cam shaft 28 by key 76to rotate. As the section of the cam wheel 24 disposed between adjacentclamps increases in thickness, relatively speaking, or alternatively, asthe distance between the upper ends of adjacent cam wheels 24 decreases,the clamps 12 are urged toward an open position 12′ but remain biasedagainst the force of the spring clips 18. As the cam shaft 28 rotates to180°, the lower ends 22 of the clamping arms 16 self-center against thechamfered edge 36 of the cam wheel 24, thereby retaining the clampingcartridge 10 in its open position. In the cartridge's open position asshown in FIG. 2B, the individual clamps 12′ are open to receive aportion of the edge(s) 90 of the panel-like object(s) 92 (shownschematically). One or more panels 92 (having a total thickness lessthan the design width of the open clamp 12′) are positioned in one ormore of the open clamps 12′ and the cam shaft 28 is again rotated(either through to 360° or back to 0°) to close the clamps 12 againstthe inserted panel(s) 92. Since each of the clamps 12 are individuallybiased toward a closed position, the clamps 12 will naturally adjust tothe thickness of the retained panel(s) 92 as shown best in FIG. 8B.Accordingly, the clamping cartridge 10 can accommodate a series ofdifferent panels comprising panels of different thicknesses 92 a,92 band/or a varying number of panels 92 c,92 d of same or differentthickness within each clamp 12, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8D. This willpermit variability in loading or unloading (i.e. random access) andtypo-dimensional sequencing for products retained within the clampingcartridge 10. When release or removal of one or more panels 92 isdesired, the cam shaft 28 is rotated 180° in the same manner asaforesaid to open the clamps 12 in unison. When the desired panels havebeen removed, the cam shaft 28 can be actuated again to close clamps 12against the remaining panels.

[0091] The individual biasing of the clamps 12 can be achieved in anumber of ways. The embodiments shown herein employ a clip-type springalthough this is not to be considered limiting. The positioning of thespring clip 18 in the aforementioned embodiments is shown to be abovethe frame 14. However, depending on the nature of the spring or biasingmechanism being used, positioning can be varied just so long as thefunction remains.

[0092] Instead of having the jaws of the clamp used to clamp the articleand the clamping arms (levers) bearing on the camming surface of the camwheels, the clamps can be reversed such that the jaws engage the opposedcamming surfaces of the cam wheel and the articles are then clampedbetween adjacent clamping arms of adjacent clamps as shown in thealternate embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. The alternateclamping cartridge 120 shares many of the same components as theclamping cartridge 10 of FIG. 1A, such as the cam shaft 28 andassociated cam wheels 24. The frame 122 is similar but its dimensionsmay require alteration to accommodate the clamps 124 in their reverseorientation. The clamps 124 are disposed such that their spring clips126 are beneath the frame 122 and with their arms 128 extendingthereabove through the slots 130 in the frame 122. The thin section 32of the cam wheels 24 are positioned between the jaws 132 of the clamps124 such that the tips 134 of the clamping arms 128 engage the opposedcamming surfaces 26 of the cam wheels 24. As the shaft 28 is rotated,the portion of the cam wheels 24 between the jaws 132 becomesincreasingly thicker, relatively speaking, causing the distal ends 136of the arms 128 of each clamp 124 to move relatively toward one anotherand hence away from the distal end 136 of the adjacent arm 128 of theadjacent clamp 124. Continuing the rotation to 180° as shown in FIG. 10,the jaws 132 over-center onto the chamfers 36 to “lock” into an openedposition. Panels 140 which may have been disposed between adjacent arms128 of adjacent clamps 124 are then removable. Alternately, panels 140may be situated between adjacent arms 128 of adjacent clamps 124whereupon rotation of the shaft 28 (either through to 360° or back to0°) returns the thinner section 32 of the cam wheels 24 to between thejaws 132, relaxing/reducing the tension on the spring clips 126, andreducing the distance between the distal ends 136 of the adjacent arms128 of the adjacent clamps 124, which effectively permits them to act asclamps.

[0093] The outermost clamps 124 a,124 b as shown in FIG. 9, may includeonly one clamping arm 128 a,128 b, respectively, as an outermostclamping arm 128 c, shown in phantom, would be unnecessary in thisarrangement. However, an outermost arm 128 c could be provided. It canbe seen that the alternate clamping arrangement 120 requires the samenumber of clamps 124 as cam wheels 24. However, the number of cam wheels24 is still one greater than the number of clampable articles 140 as theclamping function is based on the spacings between adjacent clamps 124.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 11A-11D, there is shown the clamping cartridge211 having the alternate operating mechanism which represents the bestmode according to the invention.

[0095] The components of the clamping cartridge 211 are referenced withnumerals 201 through 210, details of which are shown in FIGS. 12A-12D to20A-20D. The clamping cartridge 211 is similar to the clamping cartridge10 shown in FIGS. 1A-8D, especially in operation, the difference beingmainly related to the manner by which the individual clamping mechanismsare actuated between opened and closed positions and vice versa.

[0096] Clamping cartridge 211 comprises a plurality of spaced apartclamping mechanisms 208 (see FIGS. 18A-18C) arranged on a chassis orframe 201, similar to frame 14 of FIGS. 1-8. The clamping mechanisms 208(hereinafter referred to as clamps 208) have a pair of clamping arms orjaws 216 which are normally inwardly biased (for example, if made ofspring steel or the like) so that the tips 235 thereof converge togetherso as to close the clamp 208 in the absence of external forces. Theindividual clamps 208 are affixed to the frame 201 by means ofrespective retainers 209 (see FIGS. 19A-19D) and suitable fasteners, notshown, which secure the bight 242 of the clamp 208 to the frame 201.

[0097] For opening the jaws 216 of the clamps 208, a movable slottedguide 213 is provided through which the jaws 216 of the clamps 208extend. Preferably, the guide 213 is constructed of a channel 206 (seeFIGS. 16A-16C) having a plurality of spaced-apart slats 207 (see FIGS.17A-17C) affixed transversely thereto by suitable fasteners, not shown,through holes 231 in the slotted guide 213 (see FIG. 16B) and holes 227in slats 207 (see FIG. 17B), for example. The spaced-apart slats 207provide therebetween a number of transverse slots 215 through each ofwhich a pair of jaws 216, that is adjacent ones from adjacent clamps208, extend therethrough, with the exception of the outermost clampswherein only the single outermost jaw extends therethrough. It will beappreciated that individual slots could be provided for each jaw but thesharing of slots 215 between adjacent jaws will make the guide lesscomplex. The slotted guide 213 is movable relative to the frame 201. Bymoving the slotted guide 213 in the direction of the opening of theclamp, the jaws 216 are constrained within the slots 215 and are therebyforced to pivot towards perpendicular from their normally inwardlyangled position as the distance between the frame 201 and guide 213increases and back as the distance between the frame 201 and guide 213decreases. The channel 206 has sufficient depth D (see FIG. 16C) toaccommodate the length of travel required to fully open the clamps 208,which is generally at least the length of the jaws 216. Use ofindividual retainers 209 and slats 207 facilitate assembly.

[0098] A camming mechanism is employed to control the movement of theslotted guide 213 relative to the frame 201. One or more (two as shownin the drawings) cam housings 202 (see FIGS. 13A-13D) are affixed to theslotted guide 213, particularly on the underside of channel 206, usingsuitable fasteners, not shown, through holes 225 in the slotted guide213 (see FIG. 16B) and holes 227 in housings 202 (see FIG. 13A), forexample. Braces 203 are be welded to the cam housings 202 forstrengthening purposes and or to assist with guiding the movement of theslotted guide 213 and cam housings 202 as shown in FIG. 13A. Each camhousing 202 encloses a cam wheel (or simply “a cam”) 205 (see FIGS.15A-15C) which is mounted on a mutual cam shaft 204 (see FIGS. 14A-14C)which extends though slots 217 in the cam housing 202 and is rotatablymounted to frame 201 through apertures 219 (see FIG. 12A). Cam surface223 contacts both inner sides of housing 202.

[0099] The cam shaft 204 includes an extension 230 which can be used torotate the cam shaft 204 and thus cam wheels 205. The extension 230 maybe provided with means to facilitate rotation of the cam shaft 204, suchas a handle 210 (see FIGS. 20A-20C), or may include a lug which can beengaged by a wrench or similar tool. In the embodiment shown in FIG.11A, the handle 210 is screwable into a transverse threaded aperture 229(see FIG. 11C) to effect leveraged rotation of shaft 204.

[0100] For ease of manufacture, the cams 205 are circular, but aremounted via off-centre aperture 221 with respect to the cam shaft 204.By rotating the cam shaft 204, the cams 205 rotate and urge their camsurface 223 against the cam housing 202, causing the housing 202 to moverelative to the frame 201, hence the reason for slots 217 in thehousings 202. Depending on friction between the contacting components,the rotational position may be self-maintaining, but preferably, lowfriction components are utilized so that the biasing force of the clamps208 against the slots 215 is sufficient to always urge the clampingcartridge into its closed position.

[0101] Thus, as with the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A-8D andFIGS. 14-15, the clamping cartridge 211 also employs a camming mechanismto effect unitary operation of the individual clamps.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 21A-21D to 24A-24D, to operate the clampingcartridge 211, the cam shaft 204 is rotated by the handle means 210,which causes the cam wheels 205 which are affixed to the cam shaft 204to rotate. The rotation of the cams 205 causes the cam housings 202 andhence the slotted guide 213 to move relative to the frame 201.Initially, as shown in FIGS. 22A-22D, nominal movement occurs. However,continued rotation of the handle/cam shaft/cams 210,204,205 as shown inFIGS. 23A-23D results in greater relative movement of the slotted guide213, with the confinement of the slots 215 causing the straightening(towards perpendicular) of the jaws 216 of clamps 208 by overcoming theclosing bias of the jaws 216. At the fully rotated position shown inFIGS. 24A-24C, the jaws 216 of clamps 208 are fully opened to receivetherebetween (or release) a portion of the edge(s) of the panel-likeobject(s) 92 (shown schematically). The handle 210 may then be reverselyrotated (or forwardly rotated through 3600) to cause the slotted guide213 to lower, thereby relaxing the bias-overcoming force and eventuallyretaining the panel-like object 92 between the jaws 216 of the clamp208.

[0103] Since each of the clamps 208 are individually biased toward aclosed position, the clamps 208 will naturally self-adjust to thethickness of the retained panel(s) 92. Accordingly, the clampingcartridge 211 can accommodate a series of different panels comprisingpanels of different thicknesses and/or a varying number of panels ofsame or different thickness within each clamp 208. This will permitvariability in loading or unloading (i.e. random access) andtypo-dimensional sequencing for products retained within the clampingcartridge 211. When release or removal of one or more panels 92 isdesired, the cam shaft 204 is rotated in the same manner as aforesaid toopen the clamps 208 in unison. When the desired panels have beenremoved, the cam shaft 204 can be actuated again to close clamps 208against the remaining panels 92, if any.

[0104] The clamping cartridges 10, 120, 211 can be used in a variety ofstorage and/or packaging systems. The cartridges can be used in avariety of containers like hard (plastic) bins, totes, wooden and evenpaper (cardboard) structures, as well as on carts, cars, dollies,elevators, conveyors, or in fixed applications (on walls, on floors, onstructures of any kind). In one such application shown in FIGS. 25-29, aglass-panel storage rack 300 is realized comprising a frame 302 to whicha generally horizontal bottom support 303 a and a generally verticalside support 303 b are attached. At least one clamping cartridge 10 (asshown, or clamping cartridge 120 or 211) is preferably provided inassociation with each support 303 a,303 b such that the clampingmechanisms 12 a of the horizontal support cartridge(s) 10 a align in thesame plane with the corresponding clamping mechanisms 12 b of thevertical support cartridge(s) 10 b. The clamping cartridges 10 a,10 bcan then be opened as aforesaid so as to enable the edges 304 a,304 b ofglass panels 305 to be positioned within the clamps 12 a,12 b,respectively. The clamping cartridges 10 a,10 b can then be closed asaforesaid so as to clampingly retain the glass panels 305 within therack 300.

[0105] When any one of the glass panels 305 is to be removed, theclamping cartridges 10 a,10 b are opened and the panels 305 can beremoved as desired. Although when the clamping cartridges 10 a,10 b areopened, all of the clamping mechanisms release, the edges 304 a,304 b ofglass panels 305 are still bounded by the clamping arms 16 (jaws) andthus the panels 305 should remain in place until removed. However, itmay be desirable to incline the rack 300 to take advantage of gravity toensure the panels 305 stay in the rack 300 when the clamping cartridges10 a,10 b are opened. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 25-29, the frame302 is maintained generally upright while the bottom and side supports303 a,303 b are tilted as shown by angle α in FIGS. 25, 26 and 29.

[0106] The rack 300 may also include separate seating/supporting devices306 (shown best in FIGS. 27, 28 and 29) for the panel whereby the weightof the panels is supported thereby. The clamping cartridges 10 a,10 bare positioned such that the jaws 20 are engageable with the edgeportion 304 a,304 b of the panels 304 without the panels' weight restingon or abutting against the bight 42 of the clamps 12 as shown, forexample, in FIG. 27. In this regard, the rack 300 separates thegripping/clamping task/function from the gravitational, supportingfunctions. The use of separate seating/supporting devices 306 reducesthe need for more robust clamps and provides more economical cushioningand surface distribution capability versus having it built into theclamps. As shown, the seat/supports 306 have a multiple-U-shapedcross-section seen best in FIG. 29, which is attachable to convenientlocations on the bottom and side supports 303 a,303 b, wherein theparallel channels 308 are aligned generally with the clamps 12 of theclamping cartridges 10. In the case of the lower seat/supports 306 a onthe bottom support 303 a, the edge bearing surfaces 310 extend above thebights 42 of the clamps 12 of the cartridges 10 a but not above theupper ends of the arms 20, whereas the edge bearing surfaces 310 of theside seat/supports 306 b on the side support 303 b, extend inwardly ofthe bights 42 of the clamps 12 of the cartridges 10 b but not beyond theupper ends of the arms 20.

[0107] Depending on the arrangement of clamping cartridges 10 andseat/supports 306 in a given rack 300, it may be possible to use therack 300 to store or transport not only a plurality of identicalarticles, but also differing articles. As can be seen in FIGS. 25 and26, different sets of glass panels 305 a,305 b,305 c are retained in therack 300 although only three of the four clamping cartridges 10 areused, only two of which are common to all sets of glass panels 305 a,305b,305 c. FIG. 28 shows how the seat/supports 306 cradle the remote (fromthe clamps) edges 304 c of the glass panel 305 c. Depending on theclamping strength and the article to be clamped, it may only benecessary to employ one clamp 12 per article (hence a single clampingcartridge 10) and, where necessary, utilize one or more alignedseat/supports 306 to support and prevent movement of non-clamped edges.

[0108] The seat/supports 306 can be made of any appropriate materialbearing in mind the articles expected to be transported or stored in therack 300. As shown, the seat/supports 306 are made from an extrudedplastics material.

[0109] Advantageously, the bottom and side supports 303 a,303 b cancomprise a plurality of slats 312 on which the clamping cartridges andseat/supports 306 are mounted. By having the slats 312moveable/adjustable with respect to the frame 302 and hence the spacingbetween adjacent clamps, the rack 300 can readily be adapted toaccommodate a wide variety of articles.

[0110] Depending on the number of clamping cartridges employed in anyone rack and their accessibility, it may be advantageous to provide alinkage mechanism (not shown) to operate them simultaneously or toutilize power-driven shafts with an associated control unit (not shown)to selectively rotate the shafts individually or simultaneously.

[0111] Since the clamping cartridges 10, 120, 211 function in the samemanner, their use in a rack 300 would be the same as explained abovewith clamping cartridge 10.

[0112] While there has been shown and described herein a clampingcartridge for panel-type products and a rack for its application, itwill be appreciated that various modifications and or substitutions maybe made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

1. A clamping cartridge for releasably clamping a plurality ofpanel-type articles in generally parallel spaced-apart mannercomprising: a frame; a plurality of clamping mechanisms spaced-apartalong the frame, said clamping mechanisms being generally orientedperpendicular to their direction of spacing and being normally biasedtowards a closed position; actuation means operable in association withsaid clamping mechanisms for opening and closing said clampingmechanisms in unison; said clamping mechanisms being individuallyself-adjusting upon closing.
 2. The clamping cartridge as claimed inclaim 1, wherein: the clamping mechanisms comprise a pair of relativelymovable jaws and said actuation means is operable on said jaws forovercoming the closing bias.
 3. The clamping cartridge as claimed inclaim 2, wherein: a pair of levers are connectable to or integral witheach pair of jaws, said actuation means being operable on said levers toopen and close said jaws.
 4. The clamping cartridge as claimed in claim3, wherein: said levers have a distal end and wherein when said ends ofsaid pairs of levers are moved relatively toward one another by saidactuation means, the jaws are caused to open.
 5. The clamping cartridgeas claimed in claim 4, wherein: said actuation means comprises cammingmeans and control means for controlling the movement of said cammingmeans; and wherein said distal ends of said levers extend through saidframe where they engage said camming means which is operable by saidcontrol means to urge together respective pairs of levers of eachclamping mechanism so as to cause the plurality of clamping mechanismsto open in unison and to permit the respective pairs of levers of eachclamping mechanism to separate so as to cause the jaws of the pluralityof clamping mechanisms to close or clamp.
 6. The clamping cartridge asclaimed in claim 5, wherein: said control means comprises a rotatableshaft supported by the frame in said direction of spacing of saidclamping mechanisms; wherein said camming means comprises a plurality ofcam wheels which are disposed on said shaft and fixed to rotate with theshaft, said cam wheels having radial sides forming cam surfaces whichvary in the axial direction with the revolution of the wheel; whereinsaid cam wheels are disposed adjacent the distal ends of said leverswhereby a pair of oppositely oriented cam surfaces from adjacent camwheels are provided for each pair of levers of each clamping mechanismand wherein said pair of cam surfaces are engageable with the distalends of said pair of levers; and wherein when said shaft is rotated,said cam surfaces rotate causing the distance between respective pairsof cam surfaces at which said distal ends of said levers are engaged todecrease or increase, thereby actuating said ends of said pair of leversinwardly or outwardly to open or close respectively said jaws of eachsaid clamping mechanism.
 7. The clamping cartridge as claimed in claim6, wherein: said cam surfaces are generally planar.
 8. The clampingcartridge as claimed in claim 2, wherein: said jaws are biased towards aclosed position by a spring clip. 9-15. (cancelled).
 16. Atransportation or shipping package comprising one or more clampingcartridges as claimed in claim 1 used for clamping, spacing, separatingand/or supporting one or more panel-type articles to be containedtherein.
 17. The transportation or shipping package as claimed in claim16, further comprising seating means which cooperate with said one ormore clamping cartridges for supporting said articles.
 18. Thetransportation or shipping package as claimed in claim 16, wherein: theclamping cartridges are provided in pairs, one clamping cartridge ofeach said pair being oriented generally perpendicularly to the other forclamping adjacent perpendicular edges of said articles.
 19. Thetransportation or shipping package as claimed in claim 18, wherein: theclamping mechanisms of one of the clamping cartridges of eachperpendicular pair align in the same plane with the correspondingclamping mechanisms of the other clamping cartridge of the pair.
 20. Thetransportation or shipping package as claimed in claim 18, wherein: theperpendicular clamping cartridge pairs are disposed at an angle to thetransportation or shipping package.